GORDON Elliott sees The Enabler as his best chance of extending his fine record in Navan’s Bar 1 Betting Troytown Handicap Chase, a race in which he is set to be well represented as usual on Sunday week, November 15th.

Speaking at a media event at the track on Wednesday, Elliott said: “The Enabler has a big chance and he’ll love the ground if it stays [dry] like this. He had a brilliant run in the Irish National (third) and ran a good race at Cheltenham (sixth in the Kim Muir) when he was ridden completely wrong, ridden too handy and too wide.

“He will like the track and I think he’s a horse who loves being dropped in and can creep away and off his weight I think he has a big chance.”

Elliott is never short of runners at the two-day Navan Racing Festival and is looking forward to seeing two of his main players for owners Bective Stud take to the track when Found A Fifty defends his Fortria Chase crown and The Yellow Clay attempts to go one better than last year in the Lismullen Hurdle.

The trainer continued: “Found A Fifty has been a stable star and he’s a bit like one of those good old footballers who never lets anyone down. He’ll come out and win a good race every year and yes he’s not getting any younger but he’ll always have a good each-way chance.

“I’m looking forward to running The Yellow Clay. He worked well this morning and he wasn’t right last year. He was running his best race of the whole year at Cheltenham before falling at the second last but has had an operation for a kissing spine on his back.

“He looks to be looking very well and moving well and there will be improvement in him from the Lismullen as he was a bit later coming back in than usual.”

Saturday’s card features the Bar 1 Betting For Auction Novice Hurdle (Grade 3), Railway Bar Lismullen Hurdle (Grade 2) and Bar 1 Betting Fortria Chase (Grade 2).

This weekend’s maiden hurdles and beginners chases often produce a star. Past winners include Vautour, Al Boum Photo, Douvan, Min, Kopek Des Bordes and Fakir D’oudairies.

Entertainment

This is the fourth year of the Navan Racing Festival and general admission tickets are available online for €25 for each day.

There is limited hospitality available for the Sunday in the Final Fence Marquee, which includes reserved table and two-course buffet lunch, racecard, private betting and bar facilities.

During Saturday’s racing Off Limits will perform in the stretch tent and Out On Bale will entertain racegoers in the Festival Marquee after racing. Guitarist and singer Peader Farrelly will play in the Troytown Bar after racing.

On Sunday, the stretch tent will again host Off Limits during racing and The Sandmen will take to the stage in the Festival Marquee after racing.

Navan Racecourse has stepped up its entertainment offering this year and other improvements include additional food and beverage units and increased car parking capacity.

As well as supporting local musicians, the racecourse is utilising local caterers at the Festival and has the support of numerous local sponsors.

CLICK HERE TO SECURE TICKETS FOR THE NAVAN RACING FESTIVAL

THE Bellinter House Hotel & Spa Style Competition takes centre stage on the opening day of the Navan Racing Festival.

Guest judge Mandy Maher will be on the lookout around the enclosure, scouting for the most stylish race-day look with the Bellinter House team.

First prize is a relaxing overnight stay for two at Bellinter House. It includes full Irish breakfast, main course dinner in Preston’s Restaurant and two hours’ access to the outdoor Thermal Suite, per person.

The runner-up will receive an overnight stay for two in The Marine Hotel, Sutton. This prize includes a deluxe bedroom, dinner for two and full Irish breakfast.

Third prize is a signature spa experience for two at The Bathhouse at Bellinter House. This covers two hours’ access to the outdoor thermal suite, halotheraphy experience in the Salt Grotto, VOYA Rasul mud ritual and one-course lunch in the Spa Café.

ON Sunday, racegoers have the opportunity to meet dual Champion Chase winner Energumene who will be one of five retired racehorses taking part in the Treo Eile parade.

The 14-race winner will be joined by another Cheltenham hero in the shape of Appreciate It, plus Champion Hurdle third Darver Star.

Treo Eile facilitates horse owners looking to give retired thoroughbreds a new home and second career.

Also parading at Navan will be non-winners Allesnick and The Same Again who are now excelling at show jumping and eventing respectively.

SHUTTLE buses will operate between Navan town and the racecourse on both Saturday and Sunday.

The first bus will depart from the Ardboyne Hotel at 9.45am, stopping at The Fair Green, Foxes Pub and The Round O before continuing to the racecourse. A second bus will depart from The Fair Green at 10.15am, stopping at Foxes Pub and The Round O before continuing to the racecourse.

Return buses will begin departing from the racecourse immediately after the last race and will operate continuously between the racecourse and Navan town for 90 minutes.